Later this year Microsoft will be launching its first virtual reality (VR) headsets, hotting up the competition against PC-based devices Oculus Rift and HTC Vive. Today, the company has announced support for Valve’s SteamVR platform.
“The introduction of Windows Mixed Reality headsets is a big step forward for VR,” said Valve Software’s Joe Ludwig in a statement. “Working with Microsoft to include Steam VR compatibility with these devices is also a big step in growing VR as an open platform for developers and consumers. With a broad range of hardware options available from leading PC manufacturers, the Steam community will have more choice than ever to experience the amazing potential of VR.”
As yet Microsoft hasn’t specifically stated how this compatibility will actually work. Either developers will need to add support to their titles individually or whether Valve’s OpenVR driver might be utilised – just like HTC Vive and Oculus Rift – to provide easier access to SteamVR’s library.
Acer, HP, Lenovo, Asus and Dell are all making Windows Mixed Reality (MR) headsets which are due to launch later this year with motion controllers. Pre-orders for the Windows 10 development kit version of the MR headsets opened back in May. Then earlier this month the HP and Acer devices became available for anyone to buy through the Microsoft Store – although these are currently showing as out of stock.
VRFocus will continue its coverage of Microsoft and its Windows (MR) headsets, reporting back with the latest updates.
via Mint VR